MaaPaa co-founders Nelly Cuenca and Bean. Photography by Corrie Aune.
Nelly Cuenca, an East Dallas resident who co-founded the nonprofit MaaPaa, is receiving an award from the Southwest Jewish Congress.
Cuenca is one of several women receiving the Audrey Kaplan Inspiring Women of the Southwest Award, alongside Brittany Barnett, Kim Cummings, Ashlee Hunt Kleinert, Rebecca McGarry and Roslyn Dawson Thompson.
Here’s a description of the award from the SWJC website:
“The Inspiring Women of the Southwest Awards is named in loving memory of the founder, past recipient and our dear friend, Audrey Kaplan. Audrey’s passion and generosity for women’s issues and progressive causes led to the establishment of this award.
“The Inspiring Women of the Southwest Awards are presented to women from diverse disciplines and backgrounds. They have been diligent in the pursuit of positive social change, and who, as role models, have made an impact on our communities, either local or regionally. These inspiring women advocate for inclusiveness in our society and support positions consistent with the mission of SWJC.”
Cuenca co-founded MaaPaa with her son, Bean. It works to support single mothers and their sons.
A couple past winners of the award include Anh Vo, the owner of Cindi’s NY Deli and Restaurant, and Vanita Halliburton, who founded the Grant Halliburton Foundation.
The SWHC Texas Sized Event will be held in September at Edison’s Dallas. Read more about this year’s award winners here.
